Helping Hands Happenings

Patti Beaulieu

Hopefully, everyone had a wonderful Independence Day week-end. Where has the summer gone? As we enter August, this is our last full month of closing at the extended hour of 4 p.m. Right after Labor Day in September, we revert back to our ‘winter hours’, closing both Stores at 3 p.m.

We’ve had a record-breaking summer so far. Our donations have been generous and plentiful and our shoppers have enjoyed the drastic sales we’ve had. We sincerely thank the community for their donations as well as the shoppers and those that share our Stores with their out-of-town guests. It’s always fun for us to meet the guests and relatives of our regular shoppers, as well as the travelers from all over the country and the world.

We finally have some room at the Furniture Barn for donations, as of now. But things can change there on a dime. We’ve been so full in there that we’ve had to turn donations away. The Furniture Barn is limited on space and when we have no room we’re forced to decline donations. That’s why it’s always best to call the Furniture Barn at 209 962-7014 prior to loading anything up to bring it down. PLEASE do not leave any donations when we are not open. It’s against the law and considered ‘dumping’.

As a reminder, currently the Furniture Barn is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11-3:30 for purchases and the Thrift Store is open Wednesdays through Saturday from 11 – 4. The donations end at both Stores at 3 p.m.

We still have an ample supply of summer clothing, shoes, and swimwear at the Thrift Store and summer fun items like beach toys, coolers, lawn chairs and life jackets at the Furniture Barn. Between both Stores, we should be able to meet your needs and wants.

Thanks for the support of donations and continued patronage. We appreciate it and it allows us to support the Community in a myriad of ways.

Groveland Book Nook

Jenny Ferraiolo

If you’re looking for a place to purchase gently used books, children and young adult books, audiobooks, DVDs, and puzzles, look no further! FOGL’s Book Nook is the only used book store in Groveland. Thanks to generous donations from Groveland residents and visitors, the supply at the Book Nook is ever changing, and you can’t beat the prices!

There is a wide variety of reading materials at the Book Nook in both hardcover and paperback. The fiction selection has much to choose from in categories such as murder mystery, thriller and suspense, science fiction, psychological suspense, fantasy, action and adventure, horror, westerns, romance, historical fiction, and many of the great classics. We also have plenty of non-fiction books should you be searching for a how-to or self-help book, an autobiography or biography, travel or history books, philosophy or spiritual books, or, yes, even politics. We have something for everyone.

The Book Nook has sections devoted to children and young adult readers. Looking to complete your teen’s Harry Potter or Divergent series or trying to find your child’s school reading book assignment, check us out first before going to Amazon. Chances are good the Book Nook may have it. As a new grandma, I’m working to add more reading materials to my bookshelf for when my grandsons come for a visit, and I found “Curious George” at the Book Nook for $0.50. Now, that’s a deal! In addition to reading materials, you can also find a wide variety of audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles.

Naturally, the Book Nook survives on your generous donations. We accept books (hardcover and paperback) in good to excellent condition (no number limit) that are not torn or marked up, as well as audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs in good condition with no missing or scratched discs, and intact puzzles with no missing pieces. Donations can be delivered to the Book Nook while it’s open on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. or deposited into the book bin just outside of the Book Nook.

There are a number of items the Book Nook CANNOT accept, which include:

·       Books with torn or missing book jackets;

·       Books that are more than 15 years old;

·       Books that are wet;

·       Magazines, Readers’ Digests, newspapers, etc.;

·       Reference materials (e.g. almanacs, atlases, dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, indexes, statistics, citation guides, etc.);

·       School textbooks or materials;

·       Bibles or other religious works;

·       Comic books;

·       Personal DVDs (i.e., home recorded or copied movies);

·       VHS tapes; and

·       Coffee table books.

If you are unsure, please check with a Book Nook volunteer before donating your items.

FOGL is always looking for additional volunteers to staff the Book Nook. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a member of FOGL, contact Michele Roberts at (209) 962-4327 or mroberts@crossborder.com. It’s a fun experience, and you get to meet lots of nice people, both residents and visitors alike. Come join our Book Nook team!

 

SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Summertime Fun & Community Spirit!
By Nancy A. Reggio, Executive Director

At Southside Community Connections (SCC), we’re all about helping our community stay connected—and one way we do that is through our WAVE Transportation Program. Thanks to our 8-passenger bus and (formerly) our trusty minivan, we’ve been able to take dozens of local residents to medical appointments, shopping trips, and personal errands in Modesto, Sonora, and beyond.

Sadly, our beloved minivan—generously donated a few years ago by Linelle Marshall—reached the end of its road last month. It served us faithfully and helped countless residents get where they needed to go. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy.

But here’s the good news… We’ve got a new ride!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of Pam and Al Rojas, SCC now has a beautiful minivan! It’s low mileage, loaded with features, and spotless—thanks to Al’s hard work making it shine before delivery. What a gift! Pam and Al, your kindness and community spirit inspire us all. Thank you. You are so appreciated.

Here are pictures of the handoff:

Other news:

Save the Date!
We’re bringing the fun this fall with SCC’s Charity Fundraiser 1950s Sock Hop Gala!
October 24th- 25th Groveland | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Pull out your poodle skirts and saddle shoes, it’s going to be a night of dancing, delicious food, and special entertainment. You won’t want to miss it!

For details, call us 209-962-7303.
 

Thank You for Making Our Rummage Sale a Success—Now Let’s Talk Vegas!

Samantha West, The Little House Supervisor

August is here, and the team at Southside Community Connections is still riding high after a fantastic summer rummage sale! A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who donated items, shopped the sale, or rolled up their sleeves to volunteer. Your support helps keep our programs running strong, and our community closer than ever.

Now, as we head into fall, we’re turning up the energy with a very special raffle that’s sure to get your attention…

Win a 7-Day, 6-Night Stay at the Hilton Club Elara in Las Vegas!

That’s right! We’re raffling off a premium Vegas vacation! Tickets are just $20 each, and a limited number will be sold, so don’t wait to grab yours. The drawing will take place at our Fall Fundraiser on October 25th at 8:30 PM, and the winner does not need to be present to win.

This year’s fundraiser theme? A 1950s Sock Hop!

Get ready to twist and shout the night away with dinner, dancing, prizes, and good vibes all around. Event tickets are now available at www.southsidecommunityconnections.org or by contacting Linda Sarratt at (831) 915-9879. Oct 24, 25.

Whether you’re buying a raffle ticket, attending the fundraiser, or simply spreading the word, you’re helping make our mission possible. Thank you for being part of our vibrant, generous community.

Photographer Marc Howard Lends His Lens to SCC

By Beth Martin - Transportation Coordinator

With more than 25 years of professional photography under his belt, Marc Howard has built a career capturing everything from major commercial events to sweeping natural landscapes. His client list has included the Pebble Beach Company, Toyota, and Cisco, and his work is carried in National Park stores including Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Crater Lake. But for Marc, photography is about more than prestige—it's about people and connection.

That’s exactly why he donated his time and talent to Southside Community Connections (SCC), helping to highlight SCC’s Wheels and WAVE transportation programs. “I love the Groveland community,” Marc says. “My wife and I have met so many wonderful people here. It’s great to help an organization that supports our community.”

Marc and his wife Vanessa split their time between Monterey and Pine Mountain Lake, where her family has had a cabin since the early ’90s. Getting involved with SCC felt like a natural extension of their commitment to the area. “The best part of working with WAVE and Wheels was meeting the people,” Marc adds. “It was a joy to hear their stories and get a glimpse of the community spirit that keeps these programs running.”

This is the second time Marc has volunteered his photography services for SCC. His first photo shoot with us was in 2023.The photos will help us in our efforts to get the word out about the WAVE transportation program and encourage more people to volunteer as Wheels drivers. Using photos of real people better connects us to our local community. We’re so grateful to have Marc’s support once again!

You can find Marc’s work locally at The Grove Mercantile or online at marchowardphoto.com/shop.

Look at the View!

PASTOR BOB KANDELS

Greetings,

As I’ve spent this summer surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of God’s handiwork in Yosemite Valley, I’m continually reminded of His design—from the rugged peaks of the mountains to the serene stretch of beaches. But the greatest view of all isn’t a landscape—it’s the incredible display of God’s grace and purpose in our lives.

Consider the story Jesus tells in Luke 15:11–32 about the lost son. The younger son boldly tells his father that he wants to find his own purpose—without him. The father, heartbroken but gracious, gives him his inheritance early. Off the son goes—skiing through the Rockies, gambling in Las Vegas, and eventually losing everything in the streets of Hollywood. He ends up rummaging through dumpsters, alone, penniless, and broken.

Then something shifts—he remembers his father. Even his father’s servants have a better life than he now does. He decides to return home, rehearsing a speech of repentance, hoping to be accepted as a servant. But here comes the best view of all: “So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” (Luke 15:20-21/NIV) This is the powerful image of God’s love—a view of forgiveness and transformation through Jesus Christ.

But the story doesn’t end there. The older brother hears that his wayward sibling has returned—and he’s furious. He can’t understand why grace is being poured out on someone who squandered so much. “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.” (Luke 15:28, NIV) His view of the situation was clouded by judgement and bitterness.

So the question is: Which view are we choosing? The one that clings to resentment, or the one that opens its heart to grace?

If you’re ready for a fresh view of God’s love, you’re invited to worship with us any Sunday at one of Groveland’s welcoming Christian churches. At Gateway Community Church, we gather every Sunday at 10 a.m.—we’d love to see you there.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Bob Kandels

Tenaya Parent Association Announces Fifteenth Annual “Stuff the Bus” Campaign

Wynette Hilton – Superintendent BOFGUSD, Principal - Tenaya Elementary School

The Tenaya Parent Association launched the “Stuff the Bus” campaign fifteen years ago to help offset the impact of state budget cuts on classroom resources. Over the years, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our community. Last year alone, we collected over $8,000 in school supplies and cash donations. With these contributions, the Tenaya Parent Association was able to purchase essential school supplies for every student at our school, easing the financial burden on families.

In partnership with the Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified School District, we will be collecting school supplies and cash donations on Friday, August 8, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Mary Laveroni Park. Please note: this year’s event will take place on a Friday. Premier Valley Bank has graciously volunteered to place a collection bin in their lobby as well. Suggested school supplies include: pencils, binder paper, Sharpies, Crayola crayons, glue sticks, Crayola colored pencils, markers, binders, dry-erase markers, pocket folders, white glue, and highlighters. Many big-box stores offer significant discounts on school supplies at this time of year, making it a great opportunity to give.

As many of you know, I retired on June 30. However, this project remains so important to me that I have volunteered to lead it for another year. You can make a difference in the life of a student! For more information, please contact Wynette Hilton at (209) 768-7115 or email whilton@bofg.org

CAMP TUOLUMNE TRAILS

DORI JONES

CAMP DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

I can’t believe how time flies! Camp is more than halfway done for our summer season and we’ve been very busy here at Tuolumne Trails.

We started our season hosting a group from United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), followed by three adult sessions and one youth session, and are now hosting family camps. Campers have been busy swimming, fishing, doing tye-dye projects, arts and crafts, panning for gold, shooting arrows, dancing, showing off their talents and enjoying campfire time! Our staff has been incredible working with our campers to ensure that they have a full day of fun. Without the hard work and dedication of our team, this incredible opportunity for our campers would not exist. We are very grateful for the hard work being put in to make Camp Tuolumne Trails thrive.

In addition to our staff, we have had incredible support from a number of dedicated volunteers. With our fearless leader Jerry sidelined for a bit, we’ve had several members of the community step up to help. Without their technical expertise and willingness to donate time, we would have been struggling to keep camp running. As a non-profit organization, volunteer support is crucial for success, and our community of volunteers has been incredible! Finally, we are grateful for the amazing work done by Jacqui Montero over the last seven years. After being CTT’s Director of Operations, Jacqui is moving on to further her education, and will be sorely missed. She has done an incredible job keeping camp running since the COVID era, and will continue to be a valuable camp resource serving as a new member of CTT’s Board of Directors. Tuolumne Trails has been fortunate to have her.

Thank you, Jacqui!

Sage with camper Mark

SUMMER PROGRAMS

CTT’s first of its eight camp sessions wrapped up in early July. Chris Martin, executive director of United Cerebral Palsy (Stanislaus County), commented, “Camp UCP was a huge success once again this year! Campers had an incredible time swimming, practicing their aim at the archery range and participating in a variety of activities. UCP has always had a great experience at Camp Tuolumne Trails and this year was no exception! We’re already looking forward to next summer.” A couple of UCP campers also love their time at camp. Megan Franco stated, “I loved camp, my favorite thing was swimming.” Frank Galhano said, “Camp was great, I can’t wait to go back.” This demonstrates the important role and unique experiences, such as arts & crafts, fishing and performing in skits, which CTT provides its campers with disabilities. For most campers, this is the highlight of their year.

As CTT wraps up its summer camps, it will be offering Family Camp. This allows 12 families per session that come and camp with their child with disabilities. It’s great for the child but also great for the families to have a vacation, meet other families that share similar life experiences and have respite from their day-to-day routines.

SUMMER STAFF SPOTLIGHT: CELEBRATING OUR INCREDIBLE TEAM!

Summer is in full swing at Camp Tuolumne Trails, and this season has been one of our best yet—thanks to our incredible seasonal staff! Their dedication and heart are the driving force behind every song, laugh, and unforgettable moment.

This month, we’re spotlighting one exceptional team member: Sage. Hailing from Montana, Sage joined us as a Program Lead and Kitchen Liaison. A true Jack of all Trades, Sage brings fresh energy to daily activities, supports the kitchen crew, and leads with charisma as the weekly Master of Ceremonies for campfire and talent show nights.

Sage’s creativity, leadership, and warmth have helped make this summer extra special for both campers and staff.

We’re beyond grateful to have them as part of the Tuolumne Trails family.

Here’s to Sage—and to all the staff who bring the magic of camp to life each and every day! Camp Tuolumne Trails’ mission is devoted to helping those with disabilities and those who support them by providing an accommodating environment for healing, respite, education and recreation.

If you’d like to find out more about CTT, take a tour, volunteer or learn more about donating and legacy giving, please call CTT at (209) 962-7534, email info@tuolumnetrails.org or visit: http://www.tuolumnetrails.org  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on camp happenings.

Please donate!

California Alumni Association of Tuolumne County

Jan Jorn-Baird

TUOLUMNE COUNTY’S FILM HISTORY

Tuolumne County has a rich history of film making, dating back to the earliest days of Hollywood.

On Saturday, August 2, Tuolumne County Film Commissioner Jerry Day and former commissioner Larry Jensen, will give an account of the many movies and television episodes filmed locally.

The event at Standard and Pour Restaurant in Standard at noon is presented by the Cal Alumni Club of Tuolumne County but is open to any interested members of the community. The group welcomes as members graduates of other campuses of the University of California and friends of the university.

Persons wishing to attend are asked to make a reservation at calalummotherlode@gmail.com or 925-876-6664 by Wednesday, July 30.

Day said more than 300 feature films and television series have been produced in Tuolumne County, including “High Noon,” “Back to the Future III,” and many episodes of “Little House on the Prairie.”

Movie makers were first drawn to the county by the wide-open spaces and variety of terrain, Day said. The area soon became a magnet for the industry due to two additional assets---steam engines, “and something else that might surprise you,” Day said.

Jensen and Day have spent decades contributing to and documenting this legacy. Each served as Tuolumne County film commissioner, a position that exists in nearly every county in California.

Day grew up in and around Columbia. He saw and sometimes participated in film production. Jensen has written several books about Hollywood and the railroads and also wrote an episode of “Little House on the Prairie.”